To set a fitness goal, you should always have a suitable device. For the moment, only the use of a connected sports watch is the most effective. It is a good option to accompany you throughout your exercises. Since there are several models on the market and it is difficult to find one, we have prepared this guide to the best connected sports watches.
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Our selection
"Amazfit GTR 2 is a sports smartwatch with an AMOLED screen. It continuously monitors your health and measures your sports activities thanks to its sensors.…"
"This sports smartwatch from Gooko is equipped with a screen offering good image quality. It continuously measures your sports activities and acts as your health…"
"Forerunner 745 is particularly designed for running and triathlon. High-end and powerful, it is equipped with several sensors to measure several kinds of sports activities."
"The Amazfit T-Rex Pro, with an AMOLED display, can stay on all the time. It offers 4 global satellite navigation systems for accurate positioning and…"
Amazfit GTR 2 is a sports smartwatch with an AMOLED screen. It continuously monitors your health and measures your sports activities thanks to its sensors. Despite the presence of several features, it manages to offer a long autonomy of 14 days.
144 £ on AmazonThis is a sporty watch for men that benefits from a large 1.3-inch AMOLED display. This makes the content display area more comfortable for the eyes and fingers. It is equipped with BioTracker 2, an optical bio-tracking sensor that monitors your heart rate 24 hours a day, calculates oxygen saturation (SpO2) and assesses sleep quality and stress. Amazfit GTR 2 has 90 sports modes. The sports connected watch also has a multitude of features to measure your walking, running, indoor cycling, climbing and skiing activities.
The pressure resistance of this accessory is 5 ATM. So you can wear it in the shower or even while swimming since it offers excellent water resistance. Its powerful 471mAh battery allows it to accompany you for two weeks, or 14 days without recharging. It is equipped with 3GB of music memory, a storage capacity of 300 to 600 songs. In addition, Amazfit GTR 2 runs on Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and above.
This sports smartwatch from Gooko is equipped with a screen offering good image quality. It continuously measures your sports activities and acts as your health assistant. Its battery life can reach 15 days.
33,99 £ on AmazonEquipped with a 1.3-inch color and HD screen (360 x 360), this Gokoo watch offers a satisfactory image quality. It automatically records data on your sports activities: distance covered, number of steps, calorie consumption, etc. It is also a real assistant in terms of health, because it gives you information on oxygen saturation in the blood, your heart rate and your stress level. The Gokoo connected sports watch estimates the quality of your sleep by providing information on the duration of sleep: light, deep or REM.
This watch for men can receive calls and send SMS. It vibrates when it receives a notification to avoid missed calls or unread messages. Applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter or Instagram can be installed on it. Its battery life can last from 10 to 15 days and it is compatible with iOS 8.2 or higher and Android 4.4 or higher.
Forerunner 745 is particularly designed for running and triathlon. High-end and powerful, it is equipped with several sensors to measure several kinds of sports activities.
370 £ on AmazonForerunner 745 is a connected sports watch from the famous Garmin brand. It is a high-end model that is aimed in particular at runners and triathletes, athletes who require detailed training statistics and exercises available from their watches. Equipped with numerous sensors (GPS, barometric altimeter, barometer, wrist cardio, compass, accelerometer oximeter, thermometer, gyroscope), the toquante is also compatible with external sensors in Bluetooth and ANT+. In addition, it can monitor health and offers other intelligent functions.
Forerunner 745 has a sporty style. It is both light and compact. Indeed, it is a relatively small device, but has an ultra-resistant protective glass (Corning Gorilla). The size of its screen is 1.2 inches with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. This is quite comfortable and can show up to 6 data. The only drawback of this powerful smartwatch is its battery life, which is 16 hours. It must therefore be recharged every day.
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro, with an AMOLED display, can stay on all the time. It offers 4 global satellite navigation systems for accurate positioning and has over 100 sports modes. It has good pressure resistance and 18 days of battery life.
136 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best sports connected watch in 2021
The best entry-level sports connected watch
The best high-end sports connected watch
A great sports connected watch
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | LESS EXPENSIVE | Top of the line | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Amazfit GTR 2
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GOKOO Men's Connected Watch Bluetooth Sport Smartwatch
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Garmin Forerunner 745 Black
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Amazfit T-Rex Pro
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Amazfit GTR 2 is a sports smartwatch with an AMOLED screen. It continuously monitors your health and measures your sports activities thanks to its sensors. Despite the presence of several features, it manages to offer a long autonomy of 14 days.
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This sports smartwatch from Gooko is equipped with a screen offering good image quality. It continuously measures your sports activities and acts as your health assistant. Its battery life can reach 15 days.
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Forerunner 745 is particularly designed for running and triathlon. High-end and powerful, it is equipped with several sensors to measure several kinds of sports activities.
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The Amazfit T-Rex Pro, with an AMOLED display, can stay on all the time. It offers 4 global satellite navigation systems for accurate positioning and has over 100 sports modes. It has good pressure resistance and 18 days of battery life.
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Screen size
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1.39 inches
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1.3 inch
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1.2 inch
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1.3 inch
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Autonomy
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Lasts up to 14 days
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About 10 days
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16 hours to 7 days
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18 days
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Charging time
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2 hours
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Between 30 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes
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1.5 hours
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Supported device
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Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0
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Android / iPhone
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Android / iPhone
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Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and above
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Design
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Before buying your sports gadget, it is essential to determine your needs and the use to which it will be dedicated. This avoids wasting your money on features that are not necessary for your sport activity.
Indeed, there are two models of connected sports watches on the market: those that are intended for a specific sport (golf, water activities) and those that are designed to accompany you in many sports. The former are known for their performance while the latter are highly prized because of their versatility.
The battery life is one of the most important criteria to consider when buying a connected watch dedicated to sports. Indeed, it allows you to perform your sports practices serenely. To avoid recharging regularly, it is advisable to choose a sports connected watch that has a larger autonomy (either a week at least or 16 hours in music mode).
Some, for example, can last up to two weeks. However, it is important to note that watches with a high battery life have few features. So you should opt for those that make a compromise between battery life and number of features.
The screen of a sports connected watch is usually AMOLED or LCD. AMOLED panels offer good brightness and beautiful colors. But they consume a lot of power and are less readable outdoors. LCD screens have low power consumption and can be on all the time.
They have an excellent visibility in full sun and are therefore very suitable for outdoor sports. Their color rendering, however, leaves something to be desired. The format of the screen can be circular or rectangular. Those with a rounded shape are currently very fashionable. But some manufacturers, such as Apple, still produce smartwatches with rectangular screens.
If you want to have a watch that can withstand many conditions, it is advisable to choose one with a good gradation of protection index (IP) and pressure resistance (ATM). However, a watch with an IP68 is the most recommended. It is dust resistant and can withstand prolonged immersion in water.
As far as pressure resistance is concerned, a watch with a 5 ATM rating means that it is approved for showering and swimming, but not for diving. A 10 ATM rating means that the watch can be used for shallow snorkeling. So it's up to you to choose the one that better suits your needs.
A sports watch is often able to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone. But it is not necessarily associable with the latter. They may use different operating systems. So you need to check their compatibility with your phone before buying one.
Since sports connected watches pick up more dirt than other types of watches, it is important to keep them clean. In fact, they should be wiped down after every workout and thoroughly cleaned at least once or twice a month. Thus, the most effective ways to keep them clean are as follows:
.Turn off your sports connected watch first before cleaning it. Then take a clean microfiber cloth to wipe its screen. Don't forget to wash the microfiber cloth regularly to avoid spreading the same dirt.
If you want to remove oil buildup or other surface stains, scrub its band with a soft toothbrush dipped in water if it's silicone. For a leather sports connected watch, you can just wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it. Nevertheless, nylon models should be washed directly with mild soap and cold water. On the other hand, those made of metal, which are less resistant to moisture, should be wiped with a soft, dry cloth.
For deep cleaning, dampen a soft cloth and add a small amount of mild or liquid soap. However, it is important to note that the cloth should be damp, but not wet. To remove any soap residue, rinse the cloth thoroughly with water and wring out the excess water. Then, gently rub her bracelet with the cloth in a circular motion.
When cleaning is complete, let your sports connected watch air dry before wearing it again. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight while drying. However, for quick drying, you can use a hair dryer on low setting. If you follow these cleaning steps, you can wear it as long as possible.
As the name suggests, this type of watch can accompany you in any type of sport you play. These watches often have five buttons on the side so you can use them in all kinds of circumstances (if there is a lot of sand or mud). They are very sturdy, respond faster to touch and are also more durable.
Benefits
Disadvantages
Although sports connected watches are often reserved for running, many models are now designed for particular sports such as diving or golf. These types of watches are easier to use and configure. This is because they have a larger screen, which makes it easier to navigate and see details that can help you during your sports session more clearly.
Benefits
Disadvantages
A connected sports watch is both an activity sensor and a smartphone extension. It is characterized by the presence of a storage space that varies according to the model. It is therefore possible to install various applications or to transfer music or images. The permanent Bluetooth connection with the smartphone allows it to receive or send SMS and emails. It is also capable of making calls. In addition, the watch face and strap are replaceable.
However, the main disadvantage of a connected sports watch lies in its autonomy. Most struggle to reach 48 hours and often only offer one day's endurance, forcing you to recharge it almost every night. Only those with few features can last up to two weeks or more. They also weigh more and are larger than conventional watches. They are generally more expensive than connected sports wristbands.
Also called "activity tracker", a connected sports bracelet measures the daily physical activity of its user. It provides information on calories burned, the number of floors climbed, the distance covered, the quality of sleep, the number of steps taken during the day, etc. It then summarizes this information and delivers a detailed report to your smartphone. What distinguishes it from a connected sports watch is that it acts as a personal trainer.
Indeed, this small device gives advice (concerning diet and activities) and motivates its holder to move so that he can always keep fit. But despite these advantages, a connected sports bracelet cannot replace a connected watch. Indeed, its screen remains basic. Some don't even have a screen, but simply capture movement. A smart bracelet is less resistant to water and pressure. In addition, the number of customizable models is very small.
The bracelet and the sports connected watch have some similarities, but that doesn't mean they are the same. A wristband is mostly confined to the task of capturing the physical activities of its user. Its screen is smaller and it is less powerful. It is rather reserved for people who just want to move to maintain their health and fitness. A sport connected watch is designed for real athletes and offers more performance.
We all know that it's not easy to follow a diet plan. When you decide to go on a diet, there will be good and bad weeks. So, to keep a good habit, a connected sports watch will be your best ally.
A connected sports watch is not only useful for monitoring your physical activities. It also helps you set up a good diet. Indeed, it allows you to record all the foods you take. In other words, it gives the number of calories you should consume in a day according to the installed application.
Sleep affects your energy, mood and metabolism. Almost all models of connected sports watches record your sleep qualities. Specifically, it can know the number of hours you slept, how many times you were awake during the night and the quality of sleep in general (light or deep).
The use of a connected sports watch contributes to changing behavior, especially if you pay attention to the information it gives. This gadget informs you of your current lifestyle and quickly identifies what you need to change in your activity routines.
This type of watch not only counts your miles traveled and calories burned, it also keeps track of your health. It makes it easy to track heart rate as well as other health-related issues. With these additional features, you can quickly spot diseases that may be serious (detect a heart attack based on the data provided).
In our opinion, the best brands of connected sports watches in 2022 are :
Amazfit is a Chinese connected watch brand launched by Huami, a subsidiary of Xiaomi. The company produces affordable sports watches with excellent battery life and always-on screens.
The Garmin company has specialized in manufacturing navigation systems since 1989. Its connected watches are highly prized by athletes for their breathtaking performance. They are qualified as the best on the market.
Apple's reputation in digital technology is known to all. These smartwatch ranges with elegant design are always of very high quality. But they are often expensive.
Polar Electro or Polar is a Finnish manufacturer of measuring devices. It was the first in the world to develop wireless heart monitors. It offers high-end, high-performance connected watches.
Suunto is also a Finnish brand of smart sports watches. Its reputation is based on its multifunctional electronic watches. Some can, for example, provide the news or act as a compass.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Customize the on-screen menus of your connected sports watch
For more functionality, it is important to define what is important to you and what is not. So you need to customize the stats you see on your device's app dashboard.
Choose the right charging point if you have just received your connected sports watch
The excitement you feel about carrying a new wearable device is unlikely to last. That's because if you're multi-tasking, where you charge it matters a lot. So you need to put it in a very specific place.
Avoid leaving your connected sports watch on charge overnight
Letting all types of lithium battery-powered devices charge overnight is not a good practice. Some experts believe that the best way is to charge them only up to 90%.
You can avoid the rapid discharge of your connected sports watch
Generally, the cause of rapid battery discharge of types of devices is the activation of Wifi. The latter can lead to high battery discharge due to high resource usage for this setting without any real functionality. So disabling this feature is recommended if you don't use it.
Make your device more accurate
There are several safe ways to make your connected watch more accurate than possible, but the most important are:
Follow these steps to easily connect your phone to a connected watch
The general answer is no, because models that are specially made for sports have more features than simple models. Thus, it is always better to opt for a watch dedicated to sports.
Note that you should always choose the type of watch that has a case larger than 44mm for a men's sports connected watch. Moreover, you should also opt for models that have more functional options (a waterproof model).
Its autonomy is often between 2 to 16 days hands, it depends on the type of use. If you are running a long distance for example and listening to music via Bluetooth, it will last less time than if you are using it as just a watch and to track steps. That is, with moderate use, most sports connected watches can last up to 16 days.
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